Event Information

Event Info:

WHO: Community members, students, families, groups...and you!(This event is an awareness and fundraising event for our homeless brothers and sisters on the streets, yet homeless individuals will not actually attend Sleepless San Diego)

WHAT: An All Night Evening Program and Sleep Out(Staying overnight is optional) to raise awareness of homelessness and funds to help the men, women, and children at San Diego Rescue Mission

Sleepless San Diego fights homelessness. The event provides a meaningful experience – combined with a good dose of fun – to raise support and awareness about the issue. Dollars raised assist the San Diego Rescue Mission's work of helping our poor, abused and homeless community members. This year is already shaping up to be our most exciting event ever, and will expand the conversation, concern and hope around the issue of homelessness in San Diego.

The Vision

Sleepless San Diego will be unforgettable. Attendees will actually experience a taste of homelessness while in a safe environment, providing a whole new level of understanding and compassion for our fellow citizens who face this trial every day.

Details

All participants raise funds to enter the event. Dollars raised will help feed, clothe, and shelter homeless men, women, and children at San Diego Rescue Mission. Sleepless participants will be provided the tools needed to raise these dollars to make a difference! There will be a $20 fundraising minimum per participant (children 12 and under will be admitted for free), limited scholarships available.

Note to Parents: This event is an awareness and fundraising event for our homeless brothers and sisters on the streets. Homeless individuals will not actually attend Sleepless San Diego, yet we will have staff on hand available to assist any homeless neighbors who arrive at Sleepless seeking resources and help.

DO PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO STAY OVERNIGHT?No, particpants can come and be a part of Sleepless and leave at any point in the evening.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO?To help others! Ever walk by someone on the street and wish you could change his or her life instead of just throwing them some spare change? Here is your chance!

IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO?In the tradition of a walkathon, participants will have family & friends sponsor them a minimum of $20 to help the homeless. (Children 12 & under are free with accompanying parent / youth leader.) This fundraising minimum donation to enter Sleepless is required of both sleepers and those only coming for the evening programming. Anyone not wishing to seek sponsorships from family and friends can make a minimum donation of $20 to enter Sleepless, but we encourage you to ask your loved ones and see how excited they will be to help you help the homeless! *Please note: A limited number of scholarships are available for youth groups for whom the fundraising would be difficult. We do not want any barriers to young people participating!

WHAT WILL MY MONEY GO TOWARDS?All money collected for SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO will support programs to help the homeless and poor at San Diego Rescue Mission.

WHEN SHOULD I TURN IN MY DONATIONS?If collecting donations off-line (checks or cash), simply bring them with you to SLEEPLESS and turn them in at Registration.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?
There is a large free parking lot directly on site.

WHAT ARE THE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS?Each sleeper will have an opportunity to use a cot or cardboard to experience the homeless condition. Bring everything you need to spend the night outdoors (sleeping bags, pillows, blankets).

WHAT IF IT RAINS?SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO will continue as planned. The homeless sleep outside even in unfavorable weather.

WILL SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO BE SAFE?Yes, there will be private security guards on site all night, all areas will be well-lit, and a fence will surround the event's perimeter. This event will bring together concerned members of the community (not homeless individuals).

DO PARTICIPANTS HAVE RE-ENTRY PRIVILEGES?Yes. However, please remember that all sleepers need to check in by 8 PM

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO?Bring items you will need to be warm at night. However, please pack lightly since space around your sleeping area will be very limited. Ideas include:

Sleeping bag and Pillow

water

Sweatshirt

Hat

Earplugs

Snacks in unopened sealed containers ( Refreshments will be provided and there will be additional food for sale)

PLEASE DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS - THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED & YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THEM IN YOUR CAR.

Coolers

Alcohol / Drugs

Pocketknives / Weapons of any kind

Tents

Air Mattresses

Pets

Umbrellas

Bicycles

Stereo systems

Nalgene Water Bottles

Opened water bottles (bottled water will be provided and you may bring your own sealed bottled water)

WHAT ABOUT VALUABLES / LEAVING ITEMS NEAR MY SLEEPING AREA?Do not leave valuables on or near your sleeping area. Keep them in your car instead. SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO, the San Diego Rescue Mission, and its Sleepless Alliance partner non-profit organizations are not responsible for lost or stolen items during the event.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?Yes. Food vendors will also be selling food on site.

ARE BATHROOMS AVAILABLE?Yes, there will be portable toilets available on site.

WILL THERE BE A FIRST AID STATION ON-SITE?Yes

IS THERE AN AGE MINIMUM?Yes. We require that all participants be above age 5 and that those under 18 be accompanied by a parent, youth pastor or supervisor.

IS THERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO GET TO SLEEPLESS SAN DIEGO?Yes. Visit the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's website to plan your trip.http://www.sdmts.com/tripplanner.asp